"Scottsdale, Arizona"
Top 5 Page for this destinationScottsdale by starship

On our way to Tucson and the Tanque Verde Ranch, we stopped in "Old Downtown Scottsdale" for a little lunch, to enjoy a little flavor of the Old West and to have a look at the artwork and many shops that are pervasive in this part of town. Having been here 10 prior, I was anxious to see if the town was just as nice as I had remembered it before and I was certainly not disappointed with this visit. Scottsdale is what I would call an upscale town. It seems to have it all: good housing, an array of amenities, green spaces, close by mountains, beautiful natural geography, western history and a good standard of living.

It seems that many people, especially from states with very cold winters, come to the Scottsdale area of Arizona to retire. Others just spend the winter here. Summers in southern Arizona can be extremely hot with low humidity. The first time we visited Arizona was in July and the thermometer reached 114F degrees!! Because of the desert, night-time temperatures can be very cool. Perhaps because of the heat in summer, the lifestyle seems a little more unhurried than in many places and activities begin earlier in the day. The people of Arizona seem genuine, friendly, likeable, and ready to have a conversation with you.

Scottsdale is within a day's drive of Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Slippery Rock State Park, the Grand Canyon, the Superstition Mountains and the Apache Trail, Tucson, Tombstone and so much more. In town there is a PGA championship golf course, museums, shopping & restaurants, history, entertainment, luxurious resorts, and plenty of outdoor sports!!

Old Downtown Scottsdale is what some would call the 'heart of town' and a place which is so charming with a hint of the Old West about it. There are many lovely shops and unique restaurants, and there is as much public art & sculpture here as any place I've ever visited. It seems to be everywhere! The natural beauty of the desert must be inspiring to anyone with artistic inclinations! I particularly like the way the town has gardens, container gardens, cacti and flowers planted all around. It really adds a particularly beautiful touch to this town.

The Old Downtown area can be enjoyed in a day, is very walkable and has good parking which is even free in some spots. You can also enjoy touring the area with a horse and carriage for a somewhat romantc view! We enjoy returning to Old Downtown Scottsdale whenever we are in Arizona!

Dee thank you for visiting. We've had some great trips to Arizona when our children were young and even as teenagers! The first time when we stayed at the Scottsdale Princess was maybe the best. But, when we spent a week at the Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson was really a close second!!!

Sylvia, these are ALL 5 star tips. So insightful, interesting, positive, and honest. Excellent introduction. Awesome tip about your hotel. . I've been to old town and was excited to read your opinions. Such terrific photographs. Wow! is what I say.

Glad you enjoyed the kuxury at the Princess...we have been staying in resorts for the past 4 weeks because of the weekend sales here in Arizona...great Scottsdale tips and Apache Trail is a bit scary but FUN, Norman :)

We also visited Taliesen West and enjoyed seeing Frank Lloyd Wright's inspired creation--it was in April, so we didn't experience the severe heat that you did but it seemed HOT enough even that time of year.

I really need to get in and get off on another trip to those beautiful spots in the USA!Thanks for the tour of another interesting place - shame yr family didnt want to go see FLWrights school-Id love to!